Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows. It’s what sunflowers do. ~ Helen Keller
When I attended a retreat on Lake Superior in the fall of 2024, it was during one of my meditations, when I felt an urge to paint a sunflower. But my retail background kicked in, saying focus on holiday-themed artwork for my upcoming shows.
Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that a sunflower was my next painting, so rather than follow my brain, I followed my heart and gut.
The title also came to me instantly, Follow the Light, which was unusual since I typically title my art after its done.
At first, I tried to rationalize why this message felt so strong. Was it because we were entering the darkest time of the year, emotions were high with the upcoming election, or that my own neighborhood was dealing with the opioid crisis. It did make sense in a way.
It’s known that young sunflowers naturally follow the sun, a great reminder from nature to always seek the light.
But did you know sunflower seeds are packed with nutrients that support mental well-being? They contain tryptophan, which helps the brain produce serotonin, the neurotransmitter that boosts mood and reduces anxiety. Maybe following the light has more benefits than we realize?
Our family had been experiencing some rough times—which only intensified. Literally, the day after I finished my painting, my grandma, who I was so close to, passed. A week later we lost, a dear friend, who was like a second mother to my husband. Then my gramps, the strong silent type, who deeply loved his family.
Losing both of my mom’s parents so close together hit me harder than I imagined. I was grateful to have had them in my life for so long, but their passing felt like losing mom all over again.
I’m starting to redefine self-care—not as indulgence, but as truly living and enjoying life! Sometimes that means sobbing on the couch with my dogs, and other times, it means scheduling time to visit the art museum.
If there’s one thing I’m learning (and relearning), is while it’s ok not to be ok, it’s also ok to just be ok.
